We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Daniel MacKay, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 10 October 2025 at Ryan Hall in Bridgewater NS at the age of 81 years.
Tom grew up on the family farm in Elgin, Pictou County, NS. In his late teens, he moved away to pursue an Engineering degree at Mount Allison University under the Regular Officer Training Plan. Tom served a 33-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers.
After completing his Military Engineering Officer Training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC, Tom’s first posting was to 4 Field Squadron in Germany. He returned home to the Base Ottawa Construction Engineering section for a short tour before heading to Fort Belvoir with the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff in Washington DC.
Tom returned to Canada for a three-year posting at Mobile Command Headquarters that was interrupted by a year-long peacekeeping tour in Cyprus as the Force Engineer (1978). Tom was then appointed Commanding Officer of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa (1980-82). Following this tour, Tom headed back overseas with the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organization Israel (1982), after which he was posted to Headquarters Central Army Group (CENTAG)for three years. Tom served his last posting with Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Staff in Belgium,
Tom retired from the Canadian Forces in 1995. After retirement, he embraced a life of quiet reflection and exploration. He spent his summers in Chester NS, and his winters in Silverthorne Colorado, USA finding joy in the rhythm of the seasons and the landscapes he loved.
A celebration of life will be held in Toms honour at the Chester Royal Canadian Legion Branch {14 Union Street in Chester} on Sunday, 16 November from 12 to 3 pm. Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.